Dining with French vanity

Alfred Zhang

LOCATED on the northern wing of The MIXc, La Belle Epoque is not the place people will go to on a daily basis, but it deserves at least one visit, even if it means spending more than 600 yuan per person for a proper dinner.

"Patrons are suggested to dress up if they come to dine at our place: women in gowns, men in suit and tie. We wish to present not only a French-style ambience and authentic food, but also the Western dining culture," explained Miss Yang, the restaurant's PR manager.

Named after the era of artistic and cultural refinement in French society in the early 20th century, La Belle Epoque, or "The Beautiful Period" in English, reflects a spectrum of innovative, extravagant and romantic French lifestyle. Visitors can indulge in a luxurious setup, designed by famous American designer Peter Lynch, including long silk drapes, velvet sofa, classic oil paintings, chandeliers, artworks made of vines and a huge bookshelf.

According to Yang, La Belle Epoque's owner, a Chinese woman living in France for decades, is obsessed with creating a French lifestyle for locals. "We've been organizing Western dining etiquette salons and arranged a few sampling events. Although not many people turned out, because of the price tag, all participants really had a great time," Yang, an art school graduate, said.

Signature French dishes include the must-eat goose liver, cheese, snails, and many other beef, lamb and seafood-based courses. The restaurant also features a large selection of house red wines, such as Les Ormes de Camcras 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau les Romains 2004 France Bordeaux and Chateau Chenu Lafitte France Bordeaux.